Social security: they should eliminate the cap on social security. Why can’t people who earn more pay into social security. I never got why it should stop after a certain amount of earnings.
I’ve advocated this for decades. It’s a regressive tax on the wealthy allowing them to keep more of their income. I’d go so far as impose a FICA tax on realized long-term capital gains before retirement age. Capital gains are the single most important source of income for the wealthy because they are taxed at a lower rate than regular income, whatever that is to the top 10%.
My guess is that the wealthy don't want to pay double in taxes for Soc.Sec. They won't receive benefits until later in life, and then, assuming they are still wealthy, they will again pay income tax on the checks they receive once they are collecting. Please correct me if this isn't so.
The limit now is higher than when I was working (people earn more now), but I was surprised when I paid into social security on half the year and the other half of the year it stopped. That blew my mind! I didn’t consider it a tax, I considered it insurance. I’m collecting now and I’m paying taxes on it with my combined income, which i don’t mind because I’m country over pocket, and I’m not rich! That’s my take on it.
Well so do I and I'm not even close to being wealthy, in fact I'm going to be reverse mortgaging the house in a couple of month because it's paid for and it needs things done and I don't have the money. THAT will be tax free money My SS money is still taxable depending on how much I withdraw from my IRA and it's not all that much because I need it to last, and number two, if I keep myself "poor" I can avoid taxes. Gosh, I sound like Donald.."I ain't payin' no stkinkin' taxes.
I'm shedding no tears for the rich. Any of them, and what they would pay in contributions are not going to have any of them eating cat food.
I routinely hit the cap. The little bump in salary makes holiday shopping easier. That’s the best I can do in arguing for it. If someone has to eat cat food for me to get my Federal Holiday Bonus, that’s very un-Christian. Drop the cap please.
I just you and your family to stay safe. There is always a place for also of you to my home in Sweden if need be. I’m an American citizen living abroad but still represented as a citizen. I’d rather have discussions between a true conservative and a liberal than what we have now. I may not agree 💯% with you on policy Adam, but that in no way means I want to forego any discussion about poly. I’m not sure my positions and beliefs can survive you not safe. I’ve lived in Sweden for over 20 years now, and never did I think that I might need to open my home here to political refugees from AMERICA! I don’t even know what emotions I feel any more.
Good Lord, Kate, may I please be on your guest list? I'm actually worried as well - about so many things. But thank you, so much, for caring about Adam and his family. I worry, too. I mean.... the new pres talks openly about EXECUTING people ... I mean... I know Adam says he's not scared... but... I am. Thanks for caring.
military: once he has the military behind him, he can do whatever he wants with this country because they will be loyal to him! Very scary that we can have a dictatorship scenario that we can never get out of, like the people in Venezuela and Russia amongst others!
Question – I share an organization representing the 5000 foreign journalist in America… We are trying to pass the Press Freedom act before Trump comes to power but it appears massively difficult. Adam, do you have any suggestions?
And trump put his thumb on the scale against it this morning so it's unlikely to go anywhere - even though it's protections would apply to journalists and news organizations of EVERY political persuasion. I suspect he just wants to be able to go after those who disagree with him.
It would be something if the journalists and news people would actually publish out loud the pressures the trump government is putting on them to bend the knee, as they say. Be transparent about blackmail threats and so on.
The voice of the journalist is becoming extinguished in good part by our own Forces. The stories are there albeit submerged by a sea of loud dissident voices. Check out the amount of journalist, arrested, jailed, And in some cases, murdered!
Publishers under the pressure of their monied Patrons have also been Restrained!
We have had to bail Young journalist out of jail for being on the “wrong” side of a protest
I love this question. And I'm with you ... I don't understand why something so wildly fundamental to the most basic requirement for stopping the slide into dictatorship -- a free press, a protected press -- is so totally and utterly just seemingly out of possibility. Is there no higher mechanism by which to effect movement on this? Adam, I hear your answer (below), but .... what does that mean for our democracy? How is there any chance for survival of any of the principles of personal freedom, right to a trial by jury, principles like being "innocent until proven guilty" ... how will any of these kinds of principles survive if there is no Press to freely report on every instance in which these principles get violated, swept aside, or stomped on..... Is there hope for a free, legally moral society without strong protections for the freedom of press?
Any help, from anyone, in answering this would help.
This election doesn't make sense. Between you and Liz along with the 91 prior administration of Trumps spoke out in an unprecedented amount. So many Republicans for Harris. Rallies that blew trumps out of the water... plus those republican Americans that saw Jan 6 and your hearings and said hell NO to Trump! what about fake electors that plead guilty... I know our elections are the fairest around the world but it just doesn't seem off.
I know what you mean... I knew there was a real danger of this happening, but it just seemed to steamroll over what felt like genuine, grassroots energy against it ... and just... so weirdly total, so weirdly easy ...
Thank you for your measured and empathetic response to the woman who shared how afraid her gay niece is. I'm also a young gay woman, and it's been hard not to feel terrified since the election. But, you are correct: now is the time for a deep breath. I think that's especially true for LGBT folks who, like me, are lucky enough to have supportive family and good economic circumstances. We should be happy warriors for members of our community who don't have those safety nets, and we can't do that if we're paralyzed by fear. I always try to remember...our fear is Trump's goal. We shouldn't make it any easier on him.
Thank you, Grace. You are aptly named! I have a transgender son. We are grateful to be living in the Boston area, with a very strong LGBT community. We - and several other states, like CA & IL - are offering sanctuary to the marginalized and endangered. I'm a member of PFLAG-Boston. We will stand strong, together.
Adam, I have always liked you no matter what show you are on or interview you did. You always tell it like it is in layman’s terms. You’re real, you’re honest and you’re extremely intelligent. Not bad on the eyes either! This was great, I listened to the whole conversation and am looking forward to your next one. Thanks for doing this. You made me feel a little safer and better. I literally had to call the 988 help line after Trump won because I was SO UPSET. (SHOCKED is more like it!) I spoke to the woman for 45 minutes and she said I was most definitely NOT alone. I just NEEDED someone to cry to. Now I’m day by day and going with the flow as there is not much more I can do. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! 😇🦃
I am with you 💯 on this. It’s already starting. He’s already trying to get revenge. My nephew has 2 kids (2 and 7) and I’m so afraid for them. Luckily the oldest goes to a private school ~ an outside nature type school. Has been for 2 years. But yes, it’s going to be scary. I prob won’t go out much..😔
Dee, I'm glad to hear you had a good experience calling 988. I have thought about calling, but I'm worried that emergency personnel will show up at my door. I can get very emotional!
To be honest I had never heard of them before but read about them just before the election and how their calls were going to be crazy this election. I swallowed my pride and called and was so happy I did. I started the call crying and ended the call feeling more calm and not alone. Don’t hold back. They are great listeners. I’m still upset but am so glad to hear I’m not alone. Thank you for your words…
The withdrawal of Matt Gaetz opens the possibility of the Senate rushing to ratify some other Trump lackey. Every nominee must be scrutinized and judged independently! Otherwise, putting up clowns first is just a cheap trick!
Yes, she looks qualified compared to Gaetz (who doesn't?) but she was a questionable Florida AG and has declined (as have so many) since then. She is a total a Trump lackey.
She accepted a $25,000 bribe from him while she was AG in Florida. She was going to go after "Trump University", and then she....didn't. She has been defending him as a surrogate ever since.
That went well and wasn't too long, seemed just right. Always keep people asking for more. The time stamping was helpful, especially if I wanted to review a particular response. As an Independent, I have always voted for the person I found best suited to the position he/she was running for. Last time I actually campaigned for a presidental candidate was for Hubert Humphrey - so you know how old I must be. LOL. But I find the current machinations of Trump & Friends pretty frightening. As a senior on a limited income, there's no moving to another country in my future. Please continue to do these Q&As, we all need to be able to ask questions to someone reliable AND hear the truth as best you know it. Thank you!
This is my first time voted after 40 years, I was saying to myself I need to vote this time and hopefully we the Democrats have enough votes to stop a convicted convict to the white house, boy was I wrong.
Adam, please identify an elected office that you think you have a shot at winning and let us, your supporters, put our hearts, souls, energy and funds into getting you elected. I can’t imagine there is another public servant that has anywhere near your level of personal support (Orange Menace excluded) and trust.
Like your sane and calm approach to what may be an admittedly tough 4 years. Ukraine breaks my heart if Trump does what it seems like he is going to, especially after the thousands of personal sacrifices we made to get to our democratic leadership position. Meanwhile, keep up the good work -- monthly Q&As would be great to keep everyone involved - nature of questions will change and hopefully will continue to be worthwhile. Thanks.
I think we need to move beyond a mostly virtual organization and harness the power of face-to-face assemblies. I am in the Chicago area and will help organize here as we did in the very beginning.
A practical question, is there a dedicated ground organization, a staff of any kind that can help coordinate?
I totally agree. We need to leave our computer screens and start preparing for going to the streets, for mass demonstrations, and not once, when the time comes. Nothing will be accomplished by just complaining here. Unless people in the Congress see the mass opposition, nothing would move them.
Actually, I was surprised that Adam didn't mention that potential option in the light of what he described could happen.
Adam: Look carefully at the tone and the language of those commenting here. There is a real and sincere desire by all of us to put you, a principled, honest and patriotic person, into a position of power again, somewhere. With apologies to Jerry McGuire, help us help you. There is tremendous energy and passion here. Don’t waste this incredible opportunity.
Enjoyed the video. I keep thinking in the back of my mind when "the screaming toddler" (LOL) crosses the line at some point his supporter will ask themself "what legacy will I leave for history and how will I be judged by history" his policy, tarof, deportation, tax cuts are disaster waiting to happen. When people start seeing people being dragged to waiting vans or rotting food in the fields or 1/2 built homes all because of labor shortages. I believe then he will lose support and then a middle of the road candidate can maybe fill the gap. Thats my hope anyway
I think with the rise of social media and with some many people getting their news from streaming and YouTube ( I personally like the meidas touch network on YouTube) channels. I think it'll be hard to keep it from being seen. Also I have to think when people see their co-workers being dragged off it'll have an effect.
The one thing I think gets passed over is: what are you going to do when you've deported them, the budget has been burst, labor shortage. Does MAGA think new workers are going to float down and start working in the fields or construction sites, clean hotel rooms. the job the immigrates do and I may add are good workers. I live in an area where we have agriculture, and we see the need for the labor that they provide
Thanks Rick! I feel better about the world seeing trump's evil handy work. You could probably tell I'm not on social media, etc. 😁!!
I am also from an agricultural county and I was a federally-funded employment specialist. I can guarantee you, none of my clients whether young adults or unemployed will do ANY of those jobs that the migrants are so happy to do!! This expulsion will be so ugly I'm afraid!!
Social security: they should eliminate the cap on social security. Why can’t people who earn more pay into social security. I never got why it should stop after a certain amount of earnings.
good idea
I’ve advocated this for decades. It’s a regressive tax on the wealthy allowing them to keep more of their income. I’d go so far as impose a FICA tax on realized long-term capital gains before retirement age. Capital gains are the single most important source of income for the wealthy because they are taxed at a lower rate than regular income, whatever that is to the top 10%.
If the cap is lifted we wouldn't have a problem!
My guess is that the wealthy don't want to pay double in taxes for Soc.Sec. They won't receive benefits until later in life, and then, assuming they are still wealthy, they will again pay income tax on the checks they receive once they are collecting. Please correct me if this isn't so.
James Rodell
The limit now is higher than when I was working (people earn more now), but I was surprised when I paid into social security on half the year and the other half of the year it stopped. That blew my mind! I didn’t consider it a tax, I considered it insurance. I’m collecting now and I’m paying taxes on it with my combined income, which i don’t mind because I’m country over pocket, and I’m not rich! That’s my take on it.
Well so do I and I'm not even close to being wealthy, in fact I'm going to be reverse mortgaging the house in a couple of month because it's paid for and it needs things done and I don't have the money. THAT will be tax free money My SS money is still taxable depending on how much I withdraw from my IRA and it's not all that much because I need it to last, and number two, if I keep myself "poor" I can avoid taxes. Gosh, I sound like Donald.."I ain't payin' no stkinkin' taxes.
I'm shedding no tears for the rich. Any of them, and what they would pay in contributions are not going to have any of them eating cat food.
There would still have to be a cap on the benefit formula.
I routinely hit the cap. The little bump in salary makes holiday shopping easier. That’s the best I can do in arguing for it. If someone has to eat cat food for me to get my Federal Holiday Bonus, that’s very un-Christian. Drop the cap please.
I just you and your family to stay safe. There is always a place for also of you to my home in Sweden if need be. I’m an American citizen living abroad but still represented as a citizen. I’d rather have discussions between a true conservative and a liberal than what we have now. I may not agree 💯% with you on policy Adam, but that in no way means I want to forego any discussion about poly. I’m not sure my positions and beliefs can survive you not safe. I’ve lived in Sweden for over 20 years now, and never did I think that I might need to open my home here to political refugees from AMERICA! I don’t even know what emotions I feel any more.
Good Lord, Kate, may I please be on your guest list? I'm actually worried as well - about so many things. But thank you, so much, for caring about Adam and his family. I worry, too. I mean.... the new pres talks openly about EXECUTING people ... I mean... I know Adam says he's not scared... but... I am. Thanks for caring.
You are welcome! I never thought I’d need to offer this to other Americans. Heartbreaking!
I feel exactly the same here !!! And thank you so much Kate!
military: once he has the military behind him, he can do whatever he wants with this country because they will be loyal to him! Very scary that we can have a dictatorship scenario that we can never get out of, like the people in Venezuela and Russia amongst others!
This is my biggest concern.
Question – I share an organization representing the 5000 foreign journalist in America… We are trying to pass the Press Freedom act before Trump comes to power but it appears massively difficult. Adam, do you have any suggestions?
tough one since the GOP controls the house. More a PR campaign than anything right now, unfortunately
“Chair” not share…so much for dictation:-)
And trump put his thumb on the scale against it this morning so it's unlikely to go anywhere - even though it's protections would apply to journalists and news organizations of EVERY political persuasion. I suspect he just wants to be able to go after those who disagree with him.
It would be something if the journalists and news people would actually publish out loud the pressures the trump government is putting on them to bend the knee, as they say. Be transparent about blackmail threats and so on.
The voice of the journalist is becoming extinguished in good part by our own Forces. The stories are there albeit submerged by a sea of loud dissident voices. Check out the amount of journalist, arrested, jailed, And in some cases, murdered!
Publishers under the pressure of their monied Patrons have also been Restrained!
We have had to bail Young journalist out of jail for being on the “wrong” side of a protest
In US?
Indeed
I love this question. And I'm with you ... I don't understand why something so wildly fundamental to the most basic requirement for stopping the slide into dictatorship -- a free press, a protected press -- is so totally and utterly just seemingly out of possibility. Is there no higher mechanism by which to effect movement on this? Adam, I hear your answer (below), but .... what does that mean for our democracy? How is there any chance for survival of any of the principles of personal freedom, right to a trial by jury, principles like being "innocent until proven guilty" ... how will any of these kinds of principles survive if there is no Press to freely report on every instance in which these principles get violated, swept aside, or stomped on..... Is there hope for a free, legally moral society without strong protections for the freedom of press?
Any help, from anyone, in answering this would help.
Thanks.
This election doesn't make sense. Between you and Liz along with the 91 prior administration of Trumps spoke out in an unprecedented amount. So many Republicans for Harris. Rallies that blew trumps out of the water... plus those republican Americans that saw Jan 6 and your hearings and said hell NO to Trump! what about fake electors that plead guilty... I know our elections are the fairest around the world but it just doesn't seem off.
Also, when is your documentary coming out?
I know what you mean... I knew there was a real danger of this happening, but it just seemed to steamroll over what felt like genuine, grassroots energy against it ... and just... so weirdly total, so weirdly easy ...
Thank you for your measured and empathetic response to the woman who shared how afraid her gay niece is. I'm also a young gay woman, and it's been hard not to feel terrified since the election. But, you are correct: now is the time for a deep breath. I think that's especially true for LGBT folks who, like me, are lucky enough to have supportive family and good economic circumstances. We should be happy warriors for members of our community who don't have those safety nets, and we can't do that if we're paralyzed by fear. I always try to remember...our fear is Trump's goal. We shouldn't make it any easier on him.
Thank you, Grace. You are aptly named! I have a transgender son. We are grateful to be living in the Boston area, with a very strong LGBT community. We - and several other states, like CA & IL - are offering sanctuary to the marginalized and endangered. I'm a member of PFLAG-Boston. We will stand strong, together.
Adam, I have always liked you no matter what show you are on or interview you did. You always tell it like it is in layman’s terms. You’re real, you’re honest and you’re extremely intelligent. Not bad on the eyes either! This was great, I listened to the whole conversation and am looking forward to your next one. Thanks for doing this. You made me feel a little safer and better. I literally had to call the 988 help line after Trump won because I was SO UPSET. (SHOCKED is more like it!) I spoke to the woman for 45 minutes and she said I was most definitely NOT alone. I just NEEDED someone to cry to. Now I’m day by day and going with the flow as there is not much more I can do. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! 😇🦃
Dee I couldn't sleep for entire night because I am afraid for our nation with all the retaliations ramification.
I am with you 💯 on this. It’s already starting. He’s already trying to get revenge. My nephew has 2 kids (2 and 7) and I’m so afraid for them. Luckily the oldest goes to a private school ~ an outside nature type school. Has been for 2 years. But yes, it’s going to be scary. I prob won’t go out much..😔
Dee, I'm glad to hear you had a good experience calling 988. I have thought about calling, but I'm worried that emergency personnel will show up at my door. I can get very emotional!
To be honest I had never heard of them before but read about them just before the election and how their calls were going to be crazy this election. I swallowed my pride and called and was so happy I did. I started the call crying and ended the call feeling more calm and not alone. Don’t hold back. They are great listeners. I’m still upset but am so glad to hear I’m not alone. Thank you for your words…
Thank you. I'll be giving them a call soon....maybe today. It's bad inside my head right now.
The withdrawal of Matt Gaetz opens the possibility of the Senate rushing to ratify some other Trump lackey. Every nominee must be scrutinized and judged independently! Otherwise, putting up clowns first is just a cheap trick!
My instinct tells me the Gaetz nomination was partly a head fake to make the next slightly less looney nominee look reasonable
Yes, it sets a new standard: he makes anybody who does not have multiple (possible) sex crimes look good by comparison.
Trump has tapped Pam Bondi as Gaetz replacement. If her name sounds familiar, it should. She’s been in the news before.
Yes, she looks qualified compared to Gaetz (who doesn't?) but she was a questionable Florida AG and has declined (as have so many) since then. She is a total a Trump lackey.
She accepted a $25,000 bribe from him while she was AG in Florida. She was going to go after "Trump University", and then she....didn't. She has been defending him as a surrogate ever since.
That went well and wasn't too long, seemed just right. Always keep people asking for more. The time stamping was helpful, especially if I wanted to review a particular response. As an Independent, I have always voted for the person I found best suited to the position he/she was running for. Last time I actually campaigned for a presidental candidate was for Hubert Humphrey - so you know how old I must be. LOL. But I find the current machinations of Trump & Friends pretty frightening. As a senior on a limited income, there's no moving to another country in my future. Please continue to do these Q&As, we all need to be able to ask questions to someone reliable AND hear the truth as best you know it. Thank you!
Me too.
This is my first time voted after 40 years, I was saying to myself I need to vote this time and hopefully we the Democrats have enough votes to stop a convicted convict to the white house, boy was I wrong.
Adam, please identify an elected office that you think you have a shot at winning and let us, your supporters, put our hearts, souls, energy and funds into getting you elected. I can’t imagine there is another public servant that has anywhere near your level of personal support (Orange Menace excluded) and trust.
John this is a Great idea!!!!
Like your sane and calm approach to what may be an admittedly tough 4 years. Ukraine breaks my heart if Trump does what it seems like he is going to, especially after the thousands of personal sacrifices we made to get to our democratic leadership position. Meanwhile, keep up the good work -- monthly Q&As would be great to keep everyone involved - nature of questions will change and hopefully will continue to be worthwhile. Thanks.
What is to keep us from developing Country First as a political party within two years?
I think we need to move beyond a mostly virtual organization and harness the power of face-to-face assemblies. I am in the Chicago area and will help organize here as we did in the very beginning.
A practical question, is there a dedicated ground organization, a staff of any kind that can help coordinate?
I totally agree. We need to leave our computer screens and start preparing for going to the streets, for mass demonstrations, and not once, when the time comes. Nothing will be accomplished by just complaining here. Unless people in the Congress see the mass opposition, nothing would move them.
Actually, I was surprised that Adam didn't mention that potential option in the light of what he described could happen.
No, it wasn't too long. I would have been delighted if you continued for another hour. :-)
Me too!
Adam, What is your position on congressional term limits? I think it would solve a lot of issues, but very few people talk about it.
Adam: Look carefully at the tone and the language of those commenting here. There is a real and sincere desire by all of us to put you, a principled, honest and patriotic person, into a position of power again, somewhere. With apologies to Jerry McGuire, help us help you. There is tremendous energy and passion here. Don’t waste this incredible opportunity.
💯 Count me in i mean it
Enjoyed the video. I keep thinking in the back of my mind when "the screaming toddler" (LOL) crosses the line at some point his supporter will ask themself "what legacy will I leave for history and how will I be judged by history" his policy, tarof, deportation, tax cuts are disaster waiting to happen. When people start seeing people being dragged to waiting vans or rotting food in the fields or 1/2 built homes all because of labor shortages. I believe then he will lose support and then a middle of the road candidate can maybe fill the gap. Thats my hope anyway
amen
Rick, do you think the media is going to be allowed to show the negative side of trump's actions? I hope they are! That's something I worry about!
I think with the rise of social media and with some many people getting their news from streaming and YouTube ( I personally like the meidas touch network on YouTube) channels. I think it'll be hard to keep it from being seen. Also I have to think when people see their co-workers being dragged off it'll have an effect.
The one thing I think gets passed over is: what are you going to do when you've deported them, the budget has been burst, labor shortage. Does MAGA think new workers are going to float down and start working in the fields or construction sites, clean hotel rooms. the job the immigrates do and I may add are good workers. I live in an area where we have agriculture, and we see the need for the labor that they provide
Thanks Rick! I feel better about the world seeing trump's evil handy work. You could probably tell I'm not on social media, etc. 😁!!
I am also from an agricultural county and I was a federally-funded employment specialist. I can guarantee you, none of my clients whether young adults or unemployed will do ANY of those jobs that the migrants are so happy to do!! This expulsion will be so ugly I'm afraid!!